Reproductive infusion device

ABSTRACT

A reproductive infusion device for collection of semen for in-home insemination. The device features a collection vessel having a collection cavity defined by a sidewall which communicates through an elongated member extending therefrom. The collection vessel removably engages coaxially with an injection component to transfer collected semen thereto. A plunger engageable with an axial cavity of the injection component is provided for vaginal deposit of collected semen.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein disclosed and described relates to sexual aids formen. More particularly it relates to a device for easy collection ofsemen from a male with physical or illness related limitations thatprevent or limit intercourse, and deposit thereof in their mate in amanner adapted to achieve pregnancy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As a consequence of spinal injury or illness or paralysis effecting maleerection, sexual function is a major concern of men. Men with injuriesresulting in paralysis or illness such as multiple sclerosis frequentlysuffer varying inability to achieve an erection. With this physicallimitation men frequently have major emotional concerns as to whetherthey can father children. Additional emotional concerns arise with suchmen who may become worried that spouses or potential mates will findthem unattractive because their medical condition precludes thefathering of children.

Normally, men have two types of erections. Psychogenic erections resultfrom prurient sights or thoughts and continuation of the ability forthis type of erection depends upon the level and extent of paralysis.Men with complete paralysis usually do not have psychogenic erections. Areflex erection occurs involuntarily by direct contact with the penis orother erogenous zones (ears, nipples, neck). Most paralyzed men are ableto have a reflex erection unless nerves in the sacral spinal cord(S2-S4) are damaged.

While many men who are paralyzed may be able to achieve a psychogenicerection, due to their physical limitations the erection may not be hardenough or last long enough for successful intercourse. A number oftreatments are available for erectile dysfunction such as Viagra(sildenafil), which employ drugs to improves the quality of erectionsand sexual activity in many paraplegic men. There is some clinicalevidence that men with MS also benefit from Viagra.

However, even with erectile dysfunction aids, physical limitations ofmen with substantial paralysis from spinal injury or from muscleeffecting diseases such as MS can still prevent intercourse of a naturethat will impregnate their spouse.

Another erection option involves injecting a drug (papaverine oralprostadil) into the shaft of the penis. This produces a hard erectionthat can last for an hour or more. However, such drugs can result inpriapism, a prolonged erection that can damage the penis. Injectionerections can also cause bruising, scarring or infection and may not bethe best option for those with limited hand function. Further, much likedrug aided erections, if the man is physically limited, sufficientintercourse with a spouse to achieve pregnancy can still be a majorproblem.

Vacuum pumps are a non-invasive, non-drug way to produce an erection,and penile implants are an invasive method of such. However, vacuuminduction can cause injury and implants can be uncomfortable and carriesa higher risk for complications than other options. The device itself,especially the more complex inflatable units, can malfunction or becomedamaged. Further, the ability for physical intercourse sufficient innature to achieve impregnation can still be an overwhelming challenge incases of MS or certain types of injury inducing paralysis.

Assuming that an erection can be achieved, ejaculation and fertility arealso major issues facing men with paralysis or illness. Ejaculation isnot always possible, but there are ways to retrieve viable sperm for mensuffering from paralysis due to injury or disease. A vibrator is aninexpensive and fairly reliable tool to produce an ejaculation at homeor in a clinical setting for most men no matter what the state of theirphysical illness or injury. In such a procedure the man employs ahand-held vibrator which is held adjacent to one side of the penis. Thevibrator works using a simple technique called Transcutaneous MechanicalNerve Stimulation (TMNS) provided by the vibrator to achieveejaculation.

However once ejaculated, the collected sperm must still be properlydeposited to attempt pregnancy. Between a loving married couple, such aprivate matter frequently becomes embarrassing by the need to employdoctors and medical personnel in the act of lovemaking to achievepregnancy. It thus is frequently an overwhelming problem leading tototal avoidance of attempting pregnancy for many couples.

As such there exists an unmet need for a device adapted for easyengagement to the male organ during artificial stimulation by avibrator, which allows for private collection of male ejaculate andsubsequent deposit thereof in their mate to attempt impregnation. Such adevice should be devoid of potential for physical injury or the need toingest drugs. Such a device should be easy for even the most physicallylimited man to engage to the penis during stimulation and collect theejaculate. Further, such a device should allow for transfer of thatcollection to other components adapted for insemination of their matewithout having to transfer the semen from one container to another.Finally, such a device should be adapted to deposit the sperm in themost appropriate location in the receiving female, to maximize thepotential for a successful insemination and pregnancy.

It is an object of this invention to provide a device for the easycollection of ejaculate from erectile dysfunctional men duringartificial stimulation.

It is a further object to provide an easy-to-use device that allows forprivate collection of male ejaculate and subsequent deposit thereof bytheir mate in an intimate or private setting.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a device forcollection of ejaculate which provides for a stable engagement to thepenis during stimulation to aid males who may suffer limited dexterity.

An additional object of this invention is the provision of an ejaculatecollection device that allows for direct deposit of the collection intoan insemination device.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an ejaculatecollection device that allows for individual adjustment of the locationof deposit in a receiving female in a manner to accommodate individualphysical characteristics and to maximize the potential for a successfulinsemination and resulting pregnancy.

With respect to the above description and background, before explainingat least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and to the arrangement of the componentsand/or steps set forth in the following description or illustrated inthe drawings. The various apparatus and methods of the invention hereindescribed and disclosed are capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to thoseskilled in the art once they review this disclosure. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are forthe purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor designing of other devices, methods and systems for carrying out theseveral purposes of the present disclosed device. It is important,therefore, that the objects and claims be regarded as including suchequivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do not departfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device and method herein disclosed and described provides aplurality of components that operatively engage to collect and depositsemen for men suffering from erectile dysfunction.

The device features a collection vessel having a funnel shapedcollection cavity defined by a sidewall in which the recess is locatedto engage the penis during use. The collection cavity is thereformechanically engaged to the distal end of the penis during vibratorystimulation such that ejaculate is deposited therein easily. The recessis formed into the sidewall along an upper edge of a sidewall in an arcor half-circle shape in a diameter adapted for engagement with the penisof the man while it is concurrently engaged with a small vibrator devicebeing employed to achieve an ejaculatory response. While the device willfunction without the recess, it is included in the most preferred modebecause the recess allows for an easier engagement with the male organwhile the user may be occupied with the proper employment of thevibrator. Additionally, the semi-circular shape provides a means formechanical engagement with the natural detent at the distal end of thepenis to thereby hold it in position during the process for bettertargeting.

The collection cavity has a slanted or frusto conical lower wall engagedbetween the sidewall and a communication into an elongated member havingan axial conduit communicating between a distal end and the collectioncavity. The length of the elongated member is adapted to allow collectedejaculate to flow directly to a lower or distal portion of an axialinterior cavity of the injection component which operates similarly to ahypodermic injection device.

Engagement of the collection cavity with the elongated member coaxial inthe interior cavity is provided by means for frictional engagementadjacent to the top of the injection component which in the currentpreferred mode is a collar projecting from the lower wall of thecollection cavity. The interior diameter of the collar is adapted forfrictional engagement with the upper end of the injection componentthereby situating the elongated member substantially coaxially withinthe elongated internal cavity in the injection component.

By providing the elongated pathway down the axial conduit to routedeposited ejaculate only to the lower portion of the injectioncomponent, a maximum amount of ejaculate is communicated to a distal endof the internal cavity of the injection component, and air communicatedto the injection component below the ejaculate is minimized. Thisconfiguration is especially preferred to minimize the amount of airwhich must be evacuated from the internal cavity and also to minimizethe potential for injury to the female receiving the ejaculate which canbe caused by air.

In operation, the recess in the collection cavity allows the penis andvibrator combination to move further into the collection cavity thanwould be possible with a straight edge to the collection cavity andthereby mitigates any possible loss of ejaculate during the initialprocedure. Further, the recess provides a temporary mechanical orfrictional engagement around the lower half of the circumference of thepenis or in the groove located adjacent to the distal end of the humanmale organ.

With the collection cavity engaged at the upper end of the injectioncomponent and the elongated member coaxially within the interior cavityof the injection component, ejaculate collection can begin. A plug isengaged in an aperture communicating with the distal end of the internalcavity to prevent leakage therefrom. Once ejaculation is complete, theinjection component is positioned to place the elongated member andcoaxially located conduit substantially upright. This allows gravity toprogress the ejaculate down the conduit and out the distal end of theconduit into the lower or distal end of the interior cavity of theinjection component. This process naturally takes time to allow acapillary action for the ejaculate to proceed to the distal end of theconduit.

During this process the aperture in the distal end of the interiorcavity of the injection component is temporarily capped as the ejaculateproceeds to a gravity induced deposit adjacent to the distal end of thecollection cavity. A small amount of saline solution may optionally bedeposited in the collection cavity to rinse remaining ejaculate into thedistal end of the interior cavity. After rinsing, the collectioncomponent with the collection cavity is removed by sliding the collarfrom the injection component and the elongated member out of its coaxialengagement.

Once the injection component is disengaged, with the ejaculate properlypositioned at the distal end of the interior cavity, a small plunger isengaged with the interior wall of the interior cavity. At this point inthe method, the collection component is rotated to position the distalend upward and the plug in the aperture communicating with the interiorcavity at the distal end is removed. In this position, prior toinsertion into the female partner, the plunger is depressed until asmall bit of liquid bubbles from an aperture at the distal end, therebyeffectively removing any of the reduced amount of air that might stillremain in the interior cavity.

With the injection component now charged, and after optionallylubricating the distal end of the injection component, it is insertedinto the vaginal cavity as close to the opening of the uterus aspossible. The length of the collection component is adapted for properplacement and a limiting ring projecting from the exterior of theinjection component provides a means to determine insertion length. Thisring may be permanently engaged, or in a particularly preferred mode ofthe device that is adaptable to the wide variances of female anatomy,the ring may be slidably engaged to different positions toward and awayfrom the distal end to adjust insertion length. Locking ridges can alsobe provided to frictionally engage the ring at various fixed positions.The proper length to maximize changes may be determined by consultationwith the female's physician if desired.

Once properly inserted at the desired length, the plunger is slowlydepressed into the interior cavity causing the collected ejaculate to beproperly deposited in a location optimal to achieve pregnancy justadjacent to the cervix. Once this procedure is finished, the injectioncomponent is removed.

The device, being simple to use, maximizing collection potential andalso maximizing placement of ejaculate with the female, provides aninstrument for loving couples where the male has injury or diseasecaused erectile dysfunction, to attempt pregnancy in an intimate settinginstead of in the clinical setting currently provided. Further, itallows for easy multiple deposits of the ejaculate at times when it hasbeen determined the female may be most likely to conceive.

With respect to the above description of a semen collection and infusiondevice, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationshipsfor the parts of the invention, to include variations in size,materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly anduse, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art,and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawingsand described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by thepresent invention.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of theinvention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrativeof some of the more prominent features and applications of the intendedinvention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying thedisclosed invention in a different manner or by modifying the inventionwithin the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and afuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to thesummary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferredembodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by theclaims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein thedetailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing theinvention without placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts the device with the collection component engaged to theinjection component.

Figure two is a side view of the device with the collection containerremoved and a plunger inserted into the internal cavity.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the collection container with aprojecting axial conduit.

FIG. 4 is a slice through FIG. 1 showing the collection containerengaged upon the injection component with the axial conduit coaxial withthe internal cavity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4 depict the disclosed device 10which features a collection vessel 12 having a collection cavity 14communicating with the axial passage 13 running the length of anelongated member 16. The collection cavity 14 is defined by a sidewall18.

The collection cavity 14 in the preferred mode of the device 10 isadapted for a substantially mechanical engagement with the distal end ofthe penis during vibratory stimulation using the natural shape of thepenis to engage with the sidewall 18 and positioning the distal end ofthe penis pointing into the collection cavity 14. This is preferredbecause users with moderate or severe dexterity problems caused byinjury or illness may have trouble employing the vibrator forstimulation while concurrently trying to aim during discharge.

Currently a recess 20 is formed into the top edge of the sidewall 18 inan arc or half-circle shape and with a diameter adapted for engagementcircumferentially with the sulcus or bottom side of the penis duringconcurrent employment of a small vibrator or other device employed toachieve an ejaculatory response. The half circle shape provides a muchlarger area for an engagement with the penis than would a straight edge.This recess 20 is well adapted to removably engage with the sulcus ofthe penis which is the depression naturally occurring adjacent to thehead of the penis. When the collection cavity 14 is held at an angle toplace the sidewall 18 opposite the recess 20 higher than the distal endof the penis, a means to surround and capture resulting ejaculate isprovided, thereby insuring that all ejaculate remains in and iscommunicated to the bottom of the collection cavity 14. This isespecially important since ejection of ejaculate can be at a velocitywhich would cause the stream to miss the collection cavity 14 were therecess 20 not positioning the distal end the penis below the oppositesidewall 18. Further, by adapting the recess 20 to engage with andaround the sulcus or other point on the bottom side of the penis, theuser is provided a means to collect ejaculate which requires only onehand to hold the collection vessel 12 which is secure in a removableengagement with the penis. This leaves the other hand of the user freeto operate a means to stipulate ejaculation such as a small vibrator.

At a lower end of the collection cavity 14 engaging with the surroundingsidewall 18 is a lower endwall 19 which in the preferred mode is slantedor frusto conical in shape. This shape of the endwall 19 aids in thecommunication of ejaculate deposited into the collection cavity 14 intothe axial passage 13 communicating to the distal end of the elongatedmember 16. The length of the elongated member 16, as noted, is adaptedto allow collected ejaculate to flow directly to a lower or distalportion 22 of a coaxial interior cavity 24 of the injection component 26of the device 10.

Means for engagement of the collection cavity 14 with the injectioncomponent 26, to concurrently locate the elongated member 16 coaxialwithin the interior cavity 24, in the preferred mode of the device, isprovided by a collar 28 projecting from the exterior of the endwall 19which has a diameter adapted for frictional engagement adjacent to anupper portion of the injection component 26. This provides for an easyengagement and disengagement with the elongated member 16 properlycoaxially positioned.

In an engaged position with the collection cavity 14 attached at theupper end of the injection component 26, the process of ejaculatecollection in the aforementioned fashion is employed. During thecollection process, a plug 30 is engaged in an exit aperture 32communicating with the distal end of the internal cavity 24 therebyproviding a means for temporary sealing the exit aperture 32. Once thecollection process is complete and gravity is allowed to move thecollection down axial passage 13 and into the distal end of the interiorcavity 24, the collection cavity 14 is removed and replaced with aplunger 34 and the device is inverted in position. In the invertedposition the plunger 34 may then be depressed by forcing it forward withthe thumb while the fingers pull on the grip 35 to remove any air.

As noted, due to the physical characteristics of different women, it ismost preferred if the insertion distance of the injection component ismade to properly deposit the collection to maximize the potential forpregnancy. An insertion length of the collection component 14 is adaptedfor proper placement by a limiting ring 38 projecting from the exteriorwall surface of the injection component 26 and will prevent insertionpast its position and thereby provide a means to determine insertionlength. As noted, the limiting ring 38 in the preferred mode isremovably engageable to different points along the injection component26 to allow for adaptability, but could be permanently engaged. Ifremovably engaged, means to determine the length of insertion bymounting the limiting ring 38 in different positions is provided bylocking ridges 40 which engage an interior aperture in the limiting ring38. Other means of mounting the ring 38 can also be employed of course.

Of course once properly configured for insertion to maximize potentialresults, the device may be employed easily by the mate of the user andthe plunger 34 depressed to finish the process to deposit the collectionin a location optimum to achieve pregnancy just adjacent to the cervix.

Although the invention has been herein disclosed and described withrespect to particular embodiments thereof, it should be realized thatvarious changes and modifications may be made to the produced labels ormethod of production without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. While the invention as shown in the drawings and described indetail herein discloses arrangements of elements of particularconstruction and configuration for illustrating preferred embodiments ofstructure and method of operation of the present invention, it is to beunderstood, however, that elements of different construction andconfiguration and other arrangements thereof, other than thoseillustrated and described, may be employed in accordance with the spiritof this invention. Any and all such changes, alternations andmodifications, as would occur to those skilled in the art, areconsidered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly definedin the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reproductive infusion apparatus comprising: acollection vessel having a collection cavity defined by a sidewallcommunicating at a first edge with a bottom wall; said sidewall having adistal edge opposite said first edge, said distal edge defining anaperture communicating with said collection cavity; an elongated memberextending a length from a center portion of said bottom wall to a distalend of said member, said member having an axial cavity communicatingbetween said distal end and said collection cavity; an injectioncomponent having an axial passageway defined by an interior surface ofan elongated component wall, said component wall extending a distancefrom an intake aperture at a first end to a front wall opposite saidintake aperture; an exit aperture formed in said front wall, said exitaperture communicating between said axial passageway and the exterior ofsaid injection component; a plug insertable in said exit aperture; meansfor engagement of said collection vessel with said injection componentin an engaged position having said elongated member coaxial within saidaxial passageway; a plunger, said plunger engageable with said axialpassageway for translational movement between said intake aperture andsaid front wall; and a pathway for semen collected in said collectionvessel, said pathway communicating said semen from said collectionvessel through said axial cavity to a position adjacent to said frontwall of said axial passageway when said collection vessel is in saidengaged position with said injection component, whereby said semencollected in said collection vessel and communicated to said axialpassageway can be ejected from said exit aperture through a translationof said plunger.
 2. The reproductive infusion apparatus of claim 1additionally comprising: a recess formed in said distal edge of saidsidewall; said recess adapted for an engagement with the sulcus of apenis; said engagement providing a capture position to the distal end ofthe penis lower than a portion of said sidewall positioned opposite saidrecess, said capture position positioning said sidewall as a shield toprevent ejaculate from overshooting said collection cavity.
 3. Thereproductive infusion apparatus of claim 2 additionally comprising: saidengagement allowing for one-handed use of said collection vessel in asecure engagement with said penis.
 4. The reproductive infusionapparatus of claim 3 wherein said means for engagement of saidcollection vessel with said injection component comprises: a collarprojecting from an exterior surface of said bottom wall in a positionsurrounding said elongated member; said collar having an internaldiameter, said internal diameter sized to non-threadably frictionallyengage upon an exterior surface of said component wall.
 5. Thereproductive infusion apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means forengagement of said collection vessel with said injection componentcomprises: a collar projecting from an exterior surface of said bottomwall in a position surrounding said elongated member; said collar havingan internal diameter, said internal diameter sized to non-threadablyfrictionally engage upon an exterior surface of said component wall. 6.The reproductive infusion apparatus of claim 5 additionally comprising:a limiting member projecting from an exterior surface of said componentwall; said limiting member defining a leading portion of said componentwall between said front wall and said limiting member; and said leadingportion adapted to define a distance of insertion of said injectioncomponent into a vagina.
 7. The reproductive infusion apparatus of claim6 additionally comprising: said limiting member projecting from saidexterior surface of said component wall from a moveable engagementtherewith; said limiting member thereby engageable to a plurality ofpositions between said front wall and said intake aperture; and saidmoveable engagement allowing for adjustment of said distance ofinsertion.
 8. The reproductive infusion apparatus of claim 2additionally comprising: a limiting member projecting from an exteriorsurface of said component wall; said limiting member defining a leadingportion of said component wall between said front wall and said limitingmember; and said leading portion adapted to define a distance ofinsertion of said injection component into a vagina.
 9. The reproductiveinfusion apparatus of claim 8 additionally comprising: said limitingmember projecting from said exterior surface of said component wall froma moveable engagement therewith; said limiting member thereby engageableto a plurality of positions between said front wall and said intakeaperture; and said moveable engagement allowing for adjustment of saiddistance of insertion.
 10. The reproductive infusion apparatus of claim1 wherein said means for engagement of said collection vessel with saidinjection component comprises: a collar projecting from an exteriorsurface of said bottom wall in a position surrounding said elongatedmember; said collar having an internal diameter, said internal diametersized to non-threadably frictionally engage upon an exterior surface ofsaid component wall.
 11. The reproductive infusion apparatus of claim 1additionally comprising: a limiting member projecting from an exteriorsurface of said component wall; said limiting member defining a leadingportion of said component wall between said front wall and said limitingmember; and said leading portion adapted to define a distance ofinsertion of said injection component into a vagina.
 12. Thereproductive infusion apparatus of claim 11 additionally comprising:said limiting member projecting from said exterior surface of saidcomponent wall from a moveable engagement therewith; said limitingmember thereby engageable to a plurality of positions between said frontwall and said intake aperture; and said moveable engagement allowing foradjustment of said distance of insertion.
 13. The reproductive infusionapparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising: a grip projecting from anexterior surface of said component wall.
 14. A reproductive infusionapparatus comprising: a collection vessel having a collection cavitydefined by a sidewall communicating at a first edge with a bottom wall;said sidewall having a distal edge opposite said first edge, said distaledge defining an aperture communicating with said collection cavity; anelongated member extending a length from a center portion of said bottomwall to a distal end of said member, said member having an axial cavitycommunicating between said distal end and said collection cavity; aninjection component capable of inseminating a female, said injectioncomponent having an axial passageway defined by an interior surface ofan elongated component wall, said component wall extending a distancefrom an intake aperture at a first end to a front wall opposite saidintake aperture; a limiting member projecting from an exterior surfaceof said component wall; said limiting member defining a leading portionof said component wall between said front wall and said limiting member;said leading portion adapted to define a distance of insertion of saidinjection component into a vagina; a grip projecting from an exteriorsurface of said component wall; an exit aperture formed in said frontwall, said exit aperture communicating between said axial passageway andthe exterior of said injection component; a plug insertable in said exitaperture; said collection vessel engagable with said injectioncomponent, the engagement characterized by an inner diameter of saidcollection vessel being in direct non-threaded contact with an exteriorsurface of said elongated component wall of said injection component,the engagement further characterized by an engaged position having saidelongated member coaxial within said axial passageway; a plunger, saidplunger engageable with said axial passageway for translational movementbetween said intake aperture and said front wall; and a pathway forsemen collected in said collection vessel, said pathway communicatingsaid semen from said collection vessel through said axial cavity to aposition adjacent to said front wall of said axial passageway when saidcollection vessel is in said engaged position with said injectioncomponent, whereby said semen collected in said collection vessel andcommunicated to said axial passageway can be ejected from said exitaperture through a translation of said plunger.